A Moment for Mission
“I ask that you’ll know the love of Christ that is beyond knowledge so that you will be filled entirely with the fullness of God.” —Ephesians 3:19, CEB
The only way we can know something as deep and as profound as the love of God that we experience through the grace of Christ is through the witness of the church. How do you understand anyone’s love? By living it, by sharing it, by talking about it. By giving God thanks for it. Our prayers and our songs should be full of the experience of being loved into wholeness, being “rooted and grounded” in love, so that we can begin to see that all our actions, all our doing in the world is motivated or in response to the love that defines us.
“To [God] be glory in the church” (NRSVUE) writes the author of Ephesians, one of the few places where “church” appears in the New Testament. Let our church be a witness to the love of God in us and among us.
This commentary on Ephesians 3:14-21 was prepared by the Rev. Dr. Derek Weber, director of preaching ministries, Discipleship Ministries. Thanks to your congregation’s World Service Fund support, Discipleship Ministries connects leaders with needed resourcing, training, consulting and networking that support spiritual formation, new church development, revitalization of local churches, and materials for use in central conferences.
Children’s Message
Imagine holding a light bulb in your hand. This light bulb is just like God’s love—it’s powerful, it’s bright and it’s always there to guide us.
The prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21 reminds us of the incredible power of God’s love. It’s a love that's so deep and so wide, it’s hard for us to even imagine. As members of this United Methodist Church, we are part of a community that believes in the power of God’s love to transform lives and change the world. We come together to worship, to learn and to serve, all fueled by the amazing love of God.
So, as we hold on to this light bulb, remember the power of God’s love in our lives. Allow it to strengthen us, to guide us and to fill us with joy and hope. And be sure to share this love with others, so that they too can experience the incredible power of God’s love.
Prayer from Worship Resources at Discipleship Ministries
Lord, today, we pray that your Spirit will strengthen our resolve to be a righteous and holy people. We pray that our minds will grasp how great your love is toward us. We pray that you will fill us with your Spirit beyond what we think we can contain.
Now, we pause to bless you, the one who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine. To you be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Newsletter Nugget
“I ask that you’ll know the love of Christ that is beyond knowledge so that you will be filled entirely with the fullness of God.” —Ephesians 3:19, CEB
Set aside some time this summer to to know “the love of Christ that is beyond knowledge.” Create a life with the fullness of God through prayer and spiritual practices that will renew your soul even when you feel you are caught in a seemingly unstoppable pace.
Some of the exercises in “Prayer Practices for Disciples: Creating a Life with God” will soothe the soul while others may challenge or even unsettle your spirit. But each will draw you closer to a loving God who longs to be in relationship with you. Download and enjoy this free resource: https://urcenter.s3.amazonaws.com/upperroom.org/Downloads/Prayer+Practices+for+Disciples.pdf.
This booklet is offered through the Upper Room Ministries of Discipleship Ministries. Discipleship Ministries connects leaders with needed resourcing, training, consulting and networking that support spiritual formation, new church development, revitalization of local churches and materials for use in central conferences.